Tuesday, January 19, 2010

F-35 Alpha test Work-in-progress post

Below is a list of issues either known or found in the Alpha build as released to testers yesterday night. This list includes only the "accepted" issues - i.e. things that I acknowledge as actual defects (if compared towards the scope of the project). I will keep this list updated, as reference for me, for the testers and also for anyone interested in the project progress.

Note to testers: no need to rush - I won't have much time until the next weekend. While evaluating the flight model, please keep in mind the fact that the aircraft is loaded with two JDAMs.

2) Jaggies nearby the engine intake aera. Visible on close inspection only, partially due to geometry/smoothing, partially due to self-shadowing algorithm. Action: evaluate mitigation by local application of Meshsmooth command. It may be impossible to fix completely - but will not be noticeable by most users.NOTE: Upper to lower side discontinuity verified correct. Minor issue spotted with intake bulge curvature. Inspection highighted UVW misplacement in the engine intake areaStatus:open - high priority

3) Excessive gap between engine nozzle and fuselage.Action: check against photos and eventually modify the mesh.Status:CLOSED - fixed on model buidl 46

7) Navigation lights missing. Note: they were left out as all the F-35AA-1 pics I have are showing only anticollision lights. Status: CLOSED (Nav lights placed into the lights subassembly)

8) Covers for auxiliary air intakes missing when using SHIFT+E+4 command. Note: never seen such covers in any picture. Status: CLOSED (Auxiliary inlet cover modeled - but no ribbons as I'm saving polys for the weapons ).

10) Poor detail in the refuel receptacle. Action: While the comment is correct, I do not have pictures clear enough to make a porper model - Edit: will model a stardard receptacle based on similar devices. Status: CLOSED. Refuel receptacle modeled in build 46

14) Nose gear door detail/accuracy not good enough. Action: impossible to modify the shape, but will redo the hinges and add the actuator. NOTE: Applies only to AA-1 model - other models have a different door (2 parts). Status: Closed (model build 45 - Redesigned hinge and added actuator and new texture)

- A/c is sitting rather low on the main gear. Changes to the animation sequence and contact points needed. FIXED

Virtual cockpit

1) Virtual cockpit frame rate low / excessive number of polygons.Action: optimize virtual cockpit model mainly by removing some of the parts of the external model attached for track IR users (eg. lower surfaces fuselage, flaperons, tails). Evaluate reduction of invisble polys/faces. NOTE: Only one tester has highlighted this issue. Performance seems on par with similar products for the others.Status: open

2) Temporary HUD useability (keeping this open in case the new HUD/HMD is not available on time)- Proposal to reduce the size of the 3D part- Enlarge the G meter text window- Enlarge various text windows in 2D panel

5) Incorrect tooltip showing "parking brake" in the battery area.Action: check .XML embedded in the .mdl. DONE in VC model build 19Status: CLOSED6) Miscellaneous autopilot interface:- Autopilot master hotspot not working. NOTE: A/P master will be part of the FCS panel- Autothrottle miscellaneous issues. NOTE: At first check it .XML appears correct. I had similar issues in the tomcat.- Autopilot max bank activation. NOTE: Presence of this command is a mistake and will be removed. Action: check associated .XML Status: open

2) Weak brakes. Brakes cannot hold the plane still even at relatively low RPMs.Action:modify brake effectiveness either in the .air or .cfg file - DONEStatus: closed - promoted to beta. The brakes are now strong enough to keep the plane still up to almost full military power. However, brakes seem excessively strong when stopping the plane after landing.

3) A/c prone to yaw instability during takeoff run. NOTE:Verified only with crosswind.Action: root cause unknown. Check for asymmetric loads. Possibly increase yaw stability/MOI or adjust scalars.Status: Modified values in the air file parameter. Symmetric load checked and correct. Still happening with significant crosswind (15 kts or above). Should be manageable by most pilots. Awaiting flight test to close. CLOSED. LEFT AS IS FOR BETA TESTING

5) Pitch changes depending on throttle setting. FCC/FCS should compensate such effects in the real plane. Effect seems related to center-of-lft vs. center-of-weight misalignment, as proper .air files parameter seem correct.Action: Check .air and modify a/c balance in order to minimize such effect. NOTE: for FCC/FCS emulation, it may desireable to set to 0 all the secondary effects of aerodynamic surfaces.UPDATE: All fore/aft loads artificially balanced towards the aerodyamic center. Load is now balanced versus pitch. This is not theoretically correct, but makes up for the FCC/FCS absence. Issue seem mitigated to the point of being acceptable for the vast majority of the users. UPDATE: I forgot to to balance the engine pitch momentum - my bad, thanks Robby.

Status closed: Behaviour balanced in most situations.

6) Pitch changes when activating virtual speedbrake. FCC/FCS should compensate such effects. See 5) - it is probably the same issue.Action: See 5Status: Closed. Not completely solved but definitely acceptable.

7) Low roll rate. User report low roll rate for a fighter. NOTE: it is unclear what the actual roll rate should be. Current roll rate seems realistic for a plane with 2 JDAMs and 2 slammers, but may be less agile than real F-16,Action: Aileron action enhanced by 10% - but awaiting further evaluation and feedback.Status: CLOSED on latest fligh model - enhanced ailerons effects and travel.As a good side effect, a/c is more maneuverable at low speeds.

8) Excessive loss of energy during high-G turns. Action: unclear what the target should be for this plane in the depicted configuration. Assuming 5 - 6 g sustainable turn. Will see what I can do. Status: CLOSED with thanks to Roberto Leonardo

9) High AoA dynamics causes excessively low stall speed (75kts). Action: TBD some users are happy with the high AoA dynamics, as in line with some claims by LM. Will evaluate minor changes. Status: open - unclear if it is better to leave it as is. CLOSED. LEFT AS IS FOR BETA TESTING

10) Check landing attitude AoA (approach at 140kts?). Action: TBD - The only information I have is about X-35 whose appoaches were conducted at rather high speeds (155/165 kts). NOTE: Most users report the landing behaviour is good. Status: open - unclear if any action is needed. CLOSED. LEFT AS IS FOR BETA TESTING

11) Full flap deployment happens at low speed. Action: TBD - flap is controlled by FSX via the maneuvering flap option. Check if it possible to modify the speeds, otherwise no action. Status: open. CLOSED. LEFT AS IS FOR BETA TESTING

APPENDIX A: LIST OF MISSING (BUT PLANNED) FEATURES IN THE VC- ICAWS (currently not working at all)- FCS window to include touch screen functions for flaps/brakes/trim/autopilot master switch (note: this may not be realistic as those are typical HOTAS functions...still may have some use for FSX)- FCS window will show more information- Context sensitive weapon window pop-up (with no actual functionality)- Touch screen radio window within the MFD- Context sensitive HUD backup window within the MFD- Fuel receptacle/weapon bay opening activation via touchscreen (currently implemented but not working due to an unidentfied bug...)

3) F-35B STOVL version. Would require a lot of work to modify the visual model. Also, it would have the "superflaps" flight model.I know it is pretty lame but STOVL dynamics is not natively implemented in FSX... FSUIPC.dll methods exist but I do not want the model to be dependant on external modules

4) F-35C Would require a lot of work to modify the visual model and extensive flight test for carrier trials.

5) Custom sounds - I know it would be nice...

Color key:Green - issue solved, or mitigated to the point is acceptable or not perceived by most usersYellow -issue open, and could be perceived as product defect by many users. Awaiting action or investigation. Or issue open, mitigated to the best of my knowledge but will still be perceived as defect by users. Or issue open but appears easy to fix.Red - root cause not identified as of today. Or the problem is beyond my knowledge or impossible or difficult to solve.

26 comments:

Understood your previous responses and I will remember the loadout (!).

However, maximum speed of 2.05 WAS achieved with maximum realism set in FSX, minus one notch back and at around 75% on the landing realism, as I fly a lot of helicopters and this is the best compromise between real life and sim.

Also, wheels do turn when brake is released. The issue I see, is that the rear (main) undercarriage remains static while the aircraft is being dragged forward under power with brakes on, but the front wheel acts correctly and turns.

Ok - the max mach is an easy fix (via the Wave drag table). Fact is that with 100% realism, I had the aircraft to wreck due to overstress before making it to Mach1.7 (by the way overstress happened for no apparent reason).

Wheel behaviour is then correct (fo FSX standards). Main wheels don't move (because you are braking) but they slide due to engine thrust. This is not realistic but it is the FSX behaviour in such cases. Will raise the brakes effectiveness so that that can hold the plane up to full mil thrust.

I had several issues with my email too. Actually the changes with respect of the Alpha build are so many that I don't think it makes sense to share it any further.

As for the Shockwave lights (as well as other add-ons) I am not providing support/configuration at the release date - I want to keep the project small and "simple" so that I can successfully deliver something. I'm sure mods will spawn here and there, and I will probably gather them somewhere.

Dino said: "7) Low roll rate. User report low roll rate for a fighter. NOTE: it is unclear what the actual roll rate should be. Current roll rate seems realistic for a plane with 2 JDAMs and 2 slammers, but may be less agile than real F-16..."Have not been able to test the aircraft myself (today maybe) however the above statement is worth a reply. All test pilot accounts say that the F-35 is more agile than any F-16 - in some cases (not all) it is equivalent to F-22. Another comment about condition described says it is just like having more fuel (without any extra drag due to internal munitions) so only performance hit is due to weight - nothing else. Hope to get to testing today. :-)

Yes - I've read those reports and listened to the interviews... I just find it hard to believe that a clean F-35 with low fuel rolls faster than an F-16 in similar condition - just my impression as by looking at their shape and size, one would say that F-35 roll MOI would be greater... Then, "agility" of course it is not limited to empty roll-rate :-)

"I had several issues with my email too. Actually the changes with respect of the Alpha build are so many that I don't think it makes sense to share it any further."

My assisted suggestions, if you wanted, were for Programming purposes towards the VC MFD'sHOTAS features programming. I don't think I'll need the ALPHA for that since that is part of the VC's interface which you are still working on.

"As for the Shockwave lights (as well as other add-ons) I am not providing support/configuration at the release date - I want to keep the project small and "simple" so that I can successfully deliver something."

I understand; adding that into the Aircraft.cfg files is not too hard to do and makes the model more "sell-able" because it is far better looking than the FSX default lights.

"I'm sure mods will spawn here and there, and I will probably gather them somewhere.

For now, I'm 100% focused on the "base package"."

Having a good MFD gauge setups, a good sound set, and correct lighting is going to make this a very attractive package IMHO, especially in light of the fact that the VTOL version is NOT yet included. But, your goals are good and I look forward to what you will produce.

Thanks, but while agree on most of your points, the fact is that I want to keep this project simple and "small" - it is the only way I can deliver something in a resonable time, since I have a full-time "real life" job as design engineer...and well...I have also a life :-)!

Life is difficult for all of us, too. But, I certainly am grateful that you are taking your time (out of your personal time) to make this project as good as it can be. And if you want a few more weeks to finish it; [u]we can all wait[/u] because the last thing everyone wants is countless posts complaining that the product is broken and doesn't work correctly.

Also, I'm sure that you and many others would like the CTOL model released soon so not postponing that might be a good idea to make everyone happy. However, If you want to release another addon-payware for those models, I wouldn't mind waiting a few extra months and paying for those as well.

This is a new version of the F-35 project that improves the freeware version in several areas including new visual models, additional avionics functionalities (with TFLIR, DAS and ASR imaging support) and new flight dynamics.

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